DHAKA, June 3, 2024 (BSS)-The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey today said the forum has a bright future while its upcoming 6th summit would bring significant outcomes in the regional cooperation.

"I believe BIMSTEC has a bright future. All the members are truly committed to make sure BIMSTEC becomes a success story," he said this at a view exchange meeting with the members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at its Secretariat in the capital.

BIMSTEC is an international organisation of seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand – with 1.73 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US$5.2 trillion last year.

Regarding the upcoming 6th Summit of the BIMSTEC, the secretary general said a date has been proposed for the next Summit in Bangkok, Thailand later this year, awaiting approval from the member states.

"The date for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit will formally be announced soon. It will have some significant outcomes. It will set a direction for the future of the BIMSTEC," he observed.

Pandey said it is expected that the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit would give a boost to the regional cooperation.

The Summit will adopt a Bangkok Vision-2030 which would be an overarching kind of document and give direction to the organisation, he said, adding that it would be one of the significant outcomes. 

Responding to a question on maritime cooperation, the Secretary General said they will share details once the member States sign the document on maritime connectivity.

Pandey highlighted the significance of the entry into force of the BIMSTEC Charter, hoping that it would usher in a new era of cooperation in the region.

"That was a historic occasion," he added.

Thailand assumed the Chairmanship of the BIMSTEC on March 30, 2022, underscoring its commitment to transforming this cooperation into a resilient organization capable of responding effectively to the evolving global landscape.

Thailand prioritizes rapid and comprehensive adaptation, sustainable development, and enhancing the collective capabilities of all seven member nations.

Bangladesh is set to assume the new chair of the seven-nation grouping in the next Thailand summit.

DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib also spoke among others.